Thousands of readers agree that this recipe for old-fashioned green beans is the best! We use bacon and cook the beans low and slow until they’re very tender. Your family will think you bought green beans from the local diner!
They are known as “Dead Green Beans” at our house. First thing to go when they are part of our meal!! YUM!!
debbie (facebook)
I learned how to cook green beans at a young age because it’s one of those recipes that’s not a recipe but more of a technique, and it’s a perfect way to start young kids in the kitchen.
You’re going to love these green beans, and here’s why:
TIME – The beans will cook in about 45 minutes!
TASTE – Bacon adds so much flavor to these green beans! Kids ask for seconds every time I serve these beans.
MAKE-AHEAD – This recipe is perfect for making ahead and either storing in the refrigerator or the freezer.
Testing results for Southern green beans
- My grandmother and mother used to use salt pork when they made green beans. Since that’s a little harder to find, I use bacon or ham hocks. I’ve tested the recipe with both, and either one works just fine, but I typically use bacon since I almost always have some on hand.
- I’ve tested this recipe using chicken broth or just water, and I prefer the chicken broth. But I’m pretty sure my Granny just used water, so if that’s all you have then you’ll be fine.
I hope you make this recipe. I think you’ll love it!
Ingredient notes
Green beans – You can use fresh or frozen green beans.
Bacon – Chopped into one-inch pieces. You can use ham hocks or traditional salt pork if you prefer.
How to cook old-fashioned green beans
Sauté the bacon in a large Dutch oven until it’s done but not crispy.
Remove bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and save it on a plate. Add the green beans to the pot and stir the beans until they are well coated with the bacon grease.
Add the bacon back into the pot with the green beans.
Add the stock and seasonings and bring to a boil. Once the beans are boiling, turn down to medium-low and keep to a low simmer.
How to season old-fashioned green beans
We keep the seasoning pretty simple in this recipe: just salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can use fresh garlic if you want, but that’s not typical in Southern-style green beans.
After about 25 minutes, add half a stick of butter, then simmer another 20 minutes or until beans are very tender. Taste and add more seasonings if needed.
What goes with Southern-style green beans?
If you’ve ever visited a meat-and-three in the South, you know that green beans are always on the menu. And really, they go with almost anything.
Some of my favorite things to serve with Southern Green Beans are Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, or Baked Pork Chops. Of course, we always have green beans on our Thanksgiving Menu.
And your meal won’t be complete without some Southern Buttermilk Biscuits or Cornbread!
But what should you serve for dessert?
How about a traditional Southern dessert like Southern Banana Pudding or my famous Fudge Pie, Cream Cheese Pound Cake, or Peach Cobbler. Any of these will help you round out the best Southern meal!
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below!
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Southern Green Beans Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. green beans (use frozen or fresh)
- 6-7 slices bacon, chopped into one inch pieces
- 6 cups chicken stock (you may not need all of this–just cover the beans in the pot)
- 2 tbsp. garlic powder
- ½ tbsp. salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
Instructions
- If using fresh green beans, snap off the ends then snap the beans into 2-inch pieces. Wash thoroughly.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then remove from pot.
- Add green beans to bacon grease and stir to coat well.
- Add bacon back to pot. Add broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer and cook until tender, 30-45 minutes. Taste periodically and add seasonings as necessary.
- Add butter to pot when beans are almost done. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- If using frozen beans, there is no need to thaw before cooking. Just sauté the frozen beans right in the bacon grease as directed.
- You can add small potatoes to the pot and cook them along with the green beans.
Nutrition
Questions and tips
Storage
Store your green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To freeze green beans, allow them to cool, then place the beans in a freezer-safe container along with all the liquid and the bacon. Place the container in the freezer and keep for up to 6 months.
This post is part of my favorite Southern Foods at Home collection.
Very good and full of flavor.
Very good and full of flavor.